Standard Lemma guide

avoyer

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A chief magistrate of various free imperial cities or cantons of Switzerland.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: historical, obsolete

Examples

  • the avoyer of Bern
  • the avoyer of Lucerne
  • 1809, Unnamed translator, Lazzaro Spallanzani, Travels in the Two Sicilies and Some Parts of the Apennines, in John Pinkerton, A General Collection of the Best and Most Interesting Voyages and Travels in All Parts of the World, Volume 5, page 717, The reigning avoyer, with a sceptre in his hand, pronounces an harangue; then delivering up the sceptre and seals, resigns his dignity, and receives the thanks of the assembly, by the mouth of the attorney-general, for his zeal and attention during the year of his government.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Borrowed from French avoyer; see also avoué, avouer.